Cell Phone Fire Risk

12/5/2023 (Permalink)

Understanding how to safely charge your cell phone can help ensure your family's safety

SERVPRO® of Benton/Linn County has responded to multiple home fires that were caused by cell phone chargers. Now days it’s hard to find a home that doesn’t have a cell phone in it, and if there is a cell phone then there will be charger.  Our phones are major part of our day, and we have them will us all the time. I personally have mine on me 24/7, and I charge it on my night stand next to my bed.  Did you know that chargers produce a large amount on energy? One fire we responded to the cell phone charger caught a mattress in a child's bedroom on fire. He are some tips to help keep you safe from a cell phone charger fire.

1. Only buy and use devices that are listed by a quality testing laboratory.
2. Make sure to always follow the manufacturer’s instruction.
3. Only use the battery and charging cord that’s designed for you specific device.
4. Do not charge your device under a pillow, on your bed, on a couch or in a location that’s exposed to direct sunlight.

We here at SERVPRO® of Benton/Linn county is always here to help if your home or business has experienced a fire. We are ready to help 24/7.

Fireplace Safety Tips

10/2/2023 (Permalink)

Fireplace safety is very important as it is the difference between a house fire or a safely contained fire.

As the weather turns cooler, it is a special treat to have a wood burning fireplace in your home. This is if the fireplace has been well maintained and works properly when you light it. Here are some maintenance tips for your fireplace this winter

Hire a Chimney Sweep

It is recommended that you get your chimney cleaned and swept out once per year. This clears it of any additional debris and also is a good way to address any problems that may be going on in your chimney. Hiring a professional for this job is probably the best idea as it requires special tools.

Install a Chimney Cap

The cap provides several benefits, including: it prevents water from entering the chimney when it rains, causing costly water damage; a chimney cap with mesh will prevent animals from getting into your chimney and nesting or getting stuck and dying; a chimney cap can prevent other types of blockage, all of which can cause deadly carbon monoxide to enter the home; a spark arrester can help prevent hot embers and sparks from escaping onto the roof or other combustible materials.

Check your chimney and fireplace for any damage.

Before lighting your first fire of the year take some time to look around your fireplace inside and out and notice any changes that may be questionable. If you find damages, hire a wood stove expert to come and address your chimney.

Leave a layer of ash when you clear out your chimney

When you clean out ashes from the firebox, leave at least one inch of ash, which acts as insulation. The ash will allow coals to heat more quickly and will also allow them to retain heat longer.

Watch out for sparks

Place a rug that is non-flammable in front of the fireplace so that if sparks escape, they won’t do any damage to your floor or carpeting. This comes in handy for those embers that you aren't expecting to come out of your fireplace. They will burn your flooring quickly and before you can grab them safely.  Or better yet, install non-flammable tile or stone flooring in front of your fireplace.  Tile/stone is also easier to clean up if any ash is spilled!

And as always, if you do have a fire-related incident, do not hesitate to call your local SERVPRO® Franchise at 541-745-2097!

Electrical Fire Safety

9/1/2023 (Permalink)

Faulty wiring or overloaded electrical panels have caused many structural fires!

Electrical fires can not only catch us off guard, but can also be tricky to deal with. There are warning signs that you may be at risk for an electrical fire. Knowing the signs to look for can help protect you from an electrical fire disaster.

The warning signs include:

• Circuit breakers that repeatedly trip
• Shocks or tingling feelings as you touch an electrical appliance
• Flickering lights
• Discolored electrical wall outlets
• A burning smell of smoke or “hot plastic” coming from wiring, a plug or an appliance

If you happen to experience an electrical fire, there are steps to take to help lessen the damage, as well as help keep you and your family safe.

• Take action with an appliance by unplugging it immediately and cutting the power at the electrical panel.
• Pay attention to the voltage of the appliance you are plugging in.
• Use a Fire Extinguisher, or smother with baking soda if no Fire Extinguisher handy on a smaller fire

NEVER try to extinguish an electrical fire with water. Water conducts electricity and you could be badly shocked. 

If you have electrical fire damage we can help you at SERVPRO®. We will come out and assess the damage for you. Then we can get to work to make it like it never even happened. 

Creating a Defensible Space

8/4/2023 (Permalink)

Here are suggestions to help protect your home against a Forest Fire

Unfortunately during Summer and into Fall, Forest Fires ravage the West Coast.  Thousands of acres of timber are lost.  And, sadly, so arere many homes.  While a wildfire is beyond our control, as a homeowner there are certain steps you can take to help reduce your property risk in case of a Forest Fire.

• Install a fire-proof roof. A metal roof is ideal here in the PNW due to the heavy rain and also provides excellent fire protection. Contact your local Roofing Professional for all your options,
• Create a ‘defensible space’ around your home – in some areas, it is required by law. Think ‘Lean, Clean and Green’ – remove all flammable vegetation within 30 feet of your home.
• Clear debris from the yard – this includes dead branches, twigs, any old building material, etc.
• Stack wood piles at least 30 feet from your home, and remove vegetation from within 10 feet of the woodpile.
• Remove lower branches, at least 6 feet from the ground.
• Trim any unhealthy looking trees. Remove dead branches, and clean out dead leaves/dried debris from under the trees.
• Consider removing any trees that are too close to your house – many fires jump tree top to tree top, as well as Emergency Vehicles need to be able to work all the way around your home in the event of a fire.
• Store any fuel tanks, propane or butane, at least 30 feet from the house.

For more information on Fire Safety & Prevention, you can visit: http://www.oregon.gov/ODF/Fire/Pages/FirePrevention.aspx

If your home is damaged by a Wildfire, or sustains any kind of fire damage, please contact your Fire Restoration Specialists at SERVPRO®!

Faulty Electrical Outlet Causes Microwave fire in Sheridan?

4/11/2023 (Permalink)

We are leaders in fire damage restoration in Yamhill County.

Our local team in Yamhill and Tillamook is trained and certified by the Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification to restore fire, soot, and smoke damage. Electrical fires are one of the top causes of fire damage in the United States.

Here are some electrical safety tips from the National Fire Protection Association:

• Have all electrical work done by a qualified electrician
• Only use one heat-producing appliance plugged into a receptacle outlet at a time
• Major appliances should be plugged directly into a wall receptacle outlet. Extension cords and plug strips should not be used.
• Arc-fault circuit interrupters (AFCIs) shut off electricity when a dangerous condition occurs. Consider having them installed in your home.
• Use ground-fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs) to reduce the risk of shock. GFCIs shut off an electrical circuit when it becomes a shock hazard. They should be installed inside the home in bathrooms, kitchens, garages, and basements. All outdoor receptacles should be GFCI protected.
• Test AFCIs and GFCIs once a month according to the manufacturer’s recommendations.
• Check electrical cords to make sure they are not running across doorways or under carpets. Extension cords are intended for temporary use. Have a qualified electrician add more receptacle outlets, so you don’t have to use extension cords.

Call Us Today!

When your home or business in Sheridan experiences fire damage from a faulty electric cord or for another reason, you can rely on our local team in Yamhill and Tillamook Counties to restore the damage “Like it never even happened.”  Call us today at 503-472-9824.

Franchises are independently owned and operated.

Smoke Detector Maintenance and Safety Tips for Carlton Residents?

1/10/2023 (Permalink)

We are leaders in fire damage restoration services in Yamhill County.

Our local team in Yamhill and Tillamook Counties has been restoring fire damage in Carlton for many years. Smoke alarms are a critical part of a home fire escape plan, as these alarms are essential in reducing fire deaths and injuries in the United States. Working fire alarms give early warnings so you can get outside quickly. Here are some smoke alarm safety tips from the National Fire Protection Association:

Smoke Alarm Safety

• A closed door may slow the spread of smoke, heat, and fire. Install smoke alarms in every sleeping room and outside each separate sleeping area. Install alarms on every level of the home. 
• Smoke alarms should be interconnected. When one sounds, they all sound. 
• Large homes may need extra smoke alarms
• Test your smoke alarms at least once a month. Press the test button to be sure the alarm is working.
• Today’s smoke alarms will be more technologically advanced to respond to a multitude of fire conditions yet mitigate false alarms
• When a smoke alarm sounds, get outside and stay outside
• Replace all smoke alarms in your home every ten years

Call Us Today!

When your home or commercial business in Carlton needs fire damage restoration services, our local team in Yamhill and Tillamook Counties is Here to Help. ® Call us today at 503-472-9824.

Franchises are independently owned and operated.

Holiday Decoration Fire in Pacific City?

12/13/2022 (Permalink)

We restore fire damage 24-hours a day in Tillamook County.

Our local team in Yamhill and Tillamook Counties wishes everyone in Pacific City Happy Holidays! The National Fire Protection Association offers these tips to ensure you have a happy and fire-safe holiday season: 

Holiday Decorating 

• Be careful with holiday decorations. Choose decorations that are flame-resistant or flame-retardant. 

• Keep lit candles away from decorations and other things that can burn 
• Some lights are only for indoor or outdoor use, but not both 
• Replace any string of lights with worn or broken cords or loose bulb connections. Read the manufacturer’s instructions for the number of light strands to connect. 
• Use clips, not nails, to hang lights so the cords do not get damaged 
• Keep decorations away from windows and doors 

Holiday Entertaining 

• Test your smoke alarms and tell guests about your home fire escape plan 
• Keep children and pets away from lit candles 
• Keep matches and lighters up high in a locked cabinet 

• Stay in the kitchen when cooking on the stovetop 
• Ask smokers to smoke outside. Remind smokers to keep their smoking materials with them so young children do not touch them. 
• Provide large, deep ashtrays for smokers. Wet cigarette butts with water before discarding them. 

Call Us Today! 

When you need help with a fire damage emergency in your Pacific City home or business, our local team in Yamhill and Tillamook Counties can help. Call us today at 503-472-9824. 

Franchises are independently owned and operated. 

Halloween Party Fire Started by a Pet in Carlton?

10/3/2022 (Permalink)

We respond to fire damage emergencies 24-hours a day in Yamhill County.

Are pets causing fires? Yes, it’s true. Pets are curious and do cause fires. Your pet could start a fire by bumping into, turning on, or knocking over cooking equipment. Each year, pets and wild animals are responsible for starting over 750 fires. Our local team in Yamhill and Tillamook Counties wants everyone in Carlton to be safe and fire-free this Halloween. Here are some tips from the National Fire Protection Association for keeping your pets safe around fire:

• Keep pets away from stoves and countertops
• Keep pets away from candles, lamps, and space heaters
• Always use a metal or heat-tempered glass screen on a fireplace and keep it in place
• Keep pets away from a chimney’s outside vents.
• Have a “pet-free zone” of at least three feet away from the fireplace. Glass doors and screens can stay dangerously hot for several hours after the fire goes out.
• Some pets are chewers. Watch pets to make sure they don’t chew through electrical cords. Have any problems checked by a professional.

Call Us!

You never know if your pet will start a fire in your home, but if your home or business in Carlton has fire damage, our local team in Yamhill and Tillamook Counties can help. Call us today at 503-472-9824.

Franchises are independently owned and operated.

What is the Process For Restoring Fire Damage in Tillamook?

9/9/2022 (Permalink)

We are trusted leaders in fire damage restoration in Yamhill County.

Our local team in Yamhill and Tillamook Counties responds to fire damage emergencies 24-hours a day in Tillamook. Although every fire damage event differs, we follow the same process when remediating fire damage as follows:

Step 1: Emergency Contact

Our representative will ask questions regarding the fire damage event to help us respond immediately with the appropriate equipment and resources. 

Step 2: Inspection and Assessment

We inspect and provide you with an assessment of the damage.

Step 3: Immediate Board-Up and Roof-Tarp Service

We will board up missing windows and walls and place tarps on damaged roofs. 

Step 4: Water Removal and Drying

The water removal process begins almost immediately and removes most of the water. We then use dehumidifiers and air movers to remove the remaining water and complete the drying process. 

Step 5: Removal of Smoke and Soot

We use specialized equipment and techniques to remove smoke and soot from ceilings, walls, and other surfaces. 

Step 6: Cleaning and Sanitizing

We clean, sanitize, and disinfect all of the restorable items. We’re also trained to remove odors using industrial air scrubbers and fogging equipment.

Step 7: Restoration

Restoration may involve minor or major repairs, such as reconstructing various areas or rooms in a home or business.

Call Us Today!

When your Tillamook home or commercial business has fire damage, our local team in Yamhill and Tillamook Counties will restore the damage “Like it never even happened.” Call us today at 503-472-9824.

Franchises are independently owned and operated.

How Can Smoke Residue and Odor Be Removed in Yamhill?

8/2/2022 (Permalink)

We use advanced technology to restore smoke damage in Yamhill County.

Our local team in Yamhill and Tillamook Counties is trained and certified by the Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) to restore smoke damage. Here is some of the equipment we use:

• Air Scrubber or Filter
• Heating, ventilation, air conditioning system (HVAC) air scrubber, or a high-efficiency particulate air filter (HEPA) air purifier can capture larger smoke molecules. There will still be some residual odor from smaller molecules or surface residues.
• Ozone Generator
• An ozone generator is a fast and highly effective smoke odor restoration method. These machines emit ozone, which follows the same paths through the air as smoke and oxidizes any residual traces in the air or on surfaces.
• Thermal Fogging
• Thermal fogging is an intensive treatment involving fogging machines. After residents evacuate, smoke cleaning professionals fill a structure with petroleum distillates that neutralize odors and ventilate the area.
• Hydroxyl Generator
• A hydroxyl generator is a slower and gentler alternative to ozone. These machines rely on ultraviolet light to generate hydroxyl radicals that eliminate smoke odors. It will take about three to five days of continuous operation to achieve the same results as a single ozone treatment.
• Vapor Modification
• Vapor modification is another odor elimination method that relies on aromatic compounds and a blower or fan to neutralize smoke odor

Call Us Today!

When your home or commercial business in Yamhill has smoke damage, our local team in Yamhill and Tillamook Counties is Here to Help.® Call us today at 503-472-9824.

Franchises are independently owned and operated.

Different Types of Fire Damage That Strike Homes In Yamhill County

4/5/2022 (Permalink)

In the event of a kitchen fire this holiday season, it is best to be informed on the different types of smoke, and the damage they cause.

Wet Smoke (Plastic and Rubber):

Low heat, smoldering, pungent odor, sticky, smeary, and Smoke webs are more difficult to clean. 

Dry Smoke (Paper and Wood):

Fast-burning, high temperatures, heat rises, therefore the smoke rises. 

Protein fire Residue: (Produced by evaporation of material rather than from a fire)

Virtually invisible, discolors paint and varnishes, extreme pungent odors.

Fuel Oil Soot (Furnace puff backs):

While "Puff Backs" can create havoc for homeowners, SERVPRO of Yamhill & Tillamook Counties franchise professionals can, in most cases, restore the contents and structure quickly!

Other types: (tear gas, fingerprint powder, and fire extinguisher residue.

SERVPRO franchise professionals are trained to handle even the toughest losses. If your home or business suffers fire or smoke damage, contact your local SERVPRO franchise professionals to make it "Like it never even happened."

What To Do After A Fire In Your Yamhill Property

3/28/2022 (Permalink)

Home fires are stressful events. However, having a plan on what to do after a fire can help with the stress. At SERVPRO of Yamhill & Tillamook Counties, we are Here to Help® when a fire occurs in your home. We have created a checklist to help you to start the recovery after fire damage.

What to do after a fire damage

Call your insurance company immediately after a fire. After you went through the details with your insurance company, contact SERVPRO of Yamhill & Tillamook counties so the fire damage cleanup process can begin quickly. Make sure to notify your mortgage company of the fire as well. If you're not sure that the home is structurally safe, have it inspected by a certified structural engineer or building inspector before going near. 

• Make sure to arrange a board up of any broken windows and doors.
• Take pictures of all exterior damages
• If you suspect that the structure in a room is unsafe, avoid entering the room.
• Turn off the power at the electrical panel.
• Wear long sleeves, long pants, closed-toe shoes, and gloves. To protect you from the soot as well as trying to prevent other items from being contaminated.
• Try locating any important papers and documents.
• Any burnt money can be taken to a Regional Federal Reserve Bank for replacement
• Begin taking inventory of the building damage and all damaged items.
• Begin saving receipts for any expenses incurred after the fire. These may be needed when filing insurance claims. We're faster to any disaster

We're faster to any disaster

We are dedicated to responding immediately when you contact us. A fast response lessens the damage. limit further damages and reduces the cost. Our professionals make disasters, "Like it never even happened."

If your home or business suffers from an emergency, call (503) 648-8513

Fire Damage Restoration in Yamhill County

3/16/2022 (Permalink)

In Oregon and many places in the beautiful Pacific Northwest, it sometimes feels like you can get all four seasons of weather in one day or even one hour. So when we do have these cold snaps and reminders of winter it is still incredibly important to be safe when using your fireplace or woodstove.

When soot, smoke, and fire damage take control of your life, let us help you take control back. Our local Yamhill team of trained and experienced professionals are Here to Help you when disaster strikes. Our team has the skills, experience, and empathy to respond to any fire damage, big or small in homes or commercial spaces.

Our teams work to clean, restore, and repair damage and help you get back to life preloss. If fire strikes you, call our Yamhill team whose professionals are ready 24/7 to respond to emergencies.

Tillamook Area Home Suffers Fire Damage

3/7/2022 (Permalink)

Electrical fires in homes occur more often than we want to think, and can easily occur in an office or commercial building due to the many extension cords and electronics. It is important to practice good fire safety. A few good rules of thumb to remember are:

• Do not plug extension cords into other extension cords or power strips
• Do not plug in a space heater or portable air conditioner into a power strip
• Check extension cords and electrical cords for fraying or cuts and do not use if any are present

Even the most prudent and fire safety-minded business or organization can still suffer from fire damage, so it is important to have fire extinguishers around the area and to routinely practice fire drills.

If soot, smoke, or fire damage strike, make sure to trust the team with nearly 20 years of experience making a property damage “Like it never even happened.” Our team in Yamhill and Tillamook counties have the skills and experience to help you restore your property after fire damage and are just a call away.

Fire Damage Safety Tips For Nehalem?

12/20/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Yamhill & Tillamook Counties are trusted leaders in fire restoration services in Nehalem.

When my home was damaged by fire, my insurance adjuster told me to call SERVPRO of Yamhill & Tillamook Counties. They gave me some helpful tips on things I could do while waiting for help to arrive.

Fire Damage Safety Tips – While Waiting for Help to Arrive

After any fire damage situation, your safety should be the primary focus.

• Stay in the house only if it safe
• Electrical and "slip and fall" hazards are some of the most prevalent concerns
• Only do activities that are safe for you to perform
• Wet materials can be veryheavy   

What To Do After A Fire

• Limit movement in the home to prevent soot particles from being embedded into upholstery and carpets
• Keep hands clean so as not to further soil upholstery, walls, and woodwork
• Place clean towels or old linens on rugs, upholstery, and carpet traffic areas
• If electricity is off, empty freezer and refrigerator and prop doors open
• Clean and protect chrome with a light coating of petroleum jelly or oil
• Wash houseplants on both sides of leaves
• Change the heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) filter
• Tape double layers of cheesecloth over air registers

Call Us today!

When your Nehalem home or commercial business experiences a fire damage emergency, SERVPRO of Yamhill & Tillamook Counties is Here to Help. ®

Wildfire Safety Plan for Young People in Yamhill?

12/16/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Yamhill & Tillamook Counties are trusted leaders in fire damage mitigation in Yamhill.

Home Alone in Yamhill?

Do you have an evacuation plan in place for your kids in the event they are home alone when a wildfire or home fire breaks out? SERVPRO of Yamhill & Tillamook Counties wants Gaston families to know that having an evacuation plan in place for your loved ones to follow when you aren’t home can save lives. Here are some tips from the National Fire Prevention Association for developing a plan:

• Work with a trusted neighbor close by who know your children and can evacuate them
• Set up a schedule with other working parents in the neighborhood so that someone is always at home and can make sure the children are safe
• Pack a “Go Bag” with treasured items, water, food, prescriptions they can grab and leave with quickly
• Practice together with their pets if time allows to crate them for removal
• Have a designated contact, like an out-of-town family member programmed into their cell phone so you can find each other quickly

Call Us Today!

When you have a fire damage emergency, SERVPRO of Yamhill & Tillamook Counties is ready to respond 24-hours a day.  We’ll clean and restore your fire damage in Yamhill “Like it never even happened.” 

Air Fryer Safety Tips For Your Yamhill Area Home

4/5/2021 (Permalink)

Trust SERVPRO of Yamhill & Tillamook Counties to help you make it "Like it never even happened." We have crews on call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week

Raise your hand if you're part of the air fryer cooking craze! Follow these tips so you won't have to call SERVPRO with fire damage.

Follow these tips to stay safe while cooking with an air fryer. 

Don't 

Don't use cooking sprays with propellants, aerosol sprays, or chemical-based nonstick sprays. They might start to break down the coating on many non-stick baskets and trays. 

Do

Do invest a few dollars in a quality oil spray or pump and use a quality high flash point oil. 

If your home suffers from a fire, soot, or smoke damage from a cooking mishap, trust SERVPRO of Yamhill & Tillamook Counties to help you make it "Like it never even happened." We have crews on call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to respond to your emergency damage. 

Home Suffers Fire Damage Before & After

3/8/2021 (Permalink)

"Like it never even happened."

As you can see, there was extensive damage to this property.  We began by removing all the contents and sentimental items from the home by safely packing them out and inventorying everything before storing it in our safe, climate-controlled warehouse. We made sure we addressed everything the customer needed with the utmost of care.  Then we began the reconstruction and restoration project on the home.  We found several structural concerns and removed and replaced all those framing members affected.  This project lasted for about 4 months from start to finish.  Once we handed the keys back to the homeowner they were very happy and surprised by some of the proposed changes we made based on their approvals.  They are back in and enjoying their wonderful home again.  "Like it never even happened."

Kitchen fire in Hillsboro, OR

3/4/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Yamhill / Tillamook Counties helps you make it "Like it never even happened."

Fire and smoke damage can occur due to many causes like an electrical fire or a cooking mishap. This fire is the result of a homeowner cooking oil in a pan. The oil spilled over the side of the pan and caused extensive smoke and fire damage in the kitchen in this two-story home with smoke damage affecting the entire home. 

 While the fire was contained to just the kitchen as we walked around there was soot on the walls in the upstairs bedrooms, toys, and even fixtures. When property damage like water or fire strikes your Yamhill area home, you can count on SERVPRO of Yamhill / Tillamook Counties to help you make it "Like it never even happened." We are Here to Help you 24/7, 365. 

Large Fire loss in Rockaway Beach, OR

2/26/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Yamhill & Tillamook Counties is able to help with the restoration and mitigation process.

Recently SERVPRO of Yamhill & Tillamook Counties helped a customer who had a chimney fire that came down into the home. The fire affected the majority of the home. As you can see in this picture the first picture there is tons of clutter and a giant RV in the way. You want to make sure to keep walkways and the perimeter of your home clean and clear. This can and will make it more accessible for the fire department as well as any crews that come to the home for cleaning. To prevent such fires from occurring in your home make sure to never use fire that accelerates inside your home.  

SERVPRO of Yamhill & Tillamook Counties was able to help with the restoration and mitigation process. 

Fire Cleanup and Restoration in Yamhill

2/23/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Yamhill & Tillamook Counties & SERVPRO of Hillsboro / Forest Grove are Here To Help you.

If your home or office suffers soot, smoke, or fire damage we are the team that can help you restore your property to preloss condition. We have crews who are on call 24 hours a day, 365 days a year for emergency services because we know property damage does not happen when it is convenient for you or us. 

With 20 years of experience, we are your local and trusted fire restoration team. We use two proven methods to clean smoke residues. 

Vacuum

A vacuum is used to help remove dry particles that are loosely attached to contents and structure. 

Dissolve

Residues and soils that are not loose particles must be dissolved before they can be removed. 

SERVPRO of Yamhill & Tillamook Counties & SERVPRO of Hillsboro / Forest Grove are Here To Help you. 

Fire and Smoke Damage in Yamhill & Tillamook Counties

1/12/2021 (Permalink)

When fire and smoke damage strike, we are Here To Help.

Fire and smoke damage can be devastating. Even a little fire caused by a bag of popcorn placed in the microwave for too long can leave a lingering odor and necessitate a cleaning.  SERVPRO of Yamhill & Tillamook Counties is dedicated to helping you make it “Like it never even happened,” no matter what the cause of damage.

We know that just because we work to restore properties after damage every day, that this is likely a new experience that is stressful to understand and can be frustrating. We promise to work with you and your insurance to make the process as smooth and easy as it can be.

We have teams of trained, empathetic, and professional technicians who are on call 24/7 to respond, we are Here To Help.

Fire Damage in Forest Grove

12/3/2020 (Permalink)

2020 has been a hard year for everyone and with people spending more time than ever in their homes, it's important that your home is warm and cozy. When the temperatures drop more people use their fireplaces and use candles to help make the home feel festive and cozy the risk and occurrence of fires increases also. SERVPRO of Yamhill & Tillamook Counties wants to make sure that you and your family are safe and keep you safe from disaster as much as possible. 

If a fire, soot, or smoke damage causes disruption in your home and for your family. You need a local, trustworthy restoration team who is ready to respond around the clock. SERVPRO of Yamhill & Tillamook Counties has teams who are on call around the clock to leap into action to help you make it "Like it never even happened." 

Fire Damage in Your Yamhill Area Home

11/20/2020 (Permalink)

When fire damage strikes, trust SERVPRO of Yamhill & Tillamook Counties.

Fire damage can strike homes and businesses in our area at any time. Fires can occur from kitchen fires, electrical issues, lightning strikes, and other causes. Once the fear and worry about the safety of everyone has been confirmed, you may begin to wonder what to do next and who to call. 

Once your heart stops beating through your chest, you will begin to think about how you will clean up. Often times in fire damage restoration, there is soon and smoke stuck on materials and contents. There are many ways to loosen smoke residues, however. Blast cleaning is a heavy agitator that uses compressed air to blast sand, baking soda, CO2, dry ice, or even ground corn cobs against a solid surface like charred wood.  

After the ash has settled, what's next?

10/30/2020 (Permalink)

Anyone can go in with a sledge hammer and tear down walls that were affected by fire. However, it is the smoke and soot damage that is difficult to find that requires the help of a professional!

After a smoke or fire damage, ceilings, walls, woodwork, carpeting, and floors will often need a thorough cleaning. Your experienced local SERVPRO® Franchise Professional will pretest to determine the extent of damage, then use the specific equipment and cleaning products required to clean and protect the different types of surfaces found in your insured’s structure.

Contents Cleaning

All of the restorable contents in affected areas will be professionally cleaned and deodorized. This includes area rugs, furniture, draperies, and upholstery. SERVPRO® Franchise Professionals can provide wet or dry cleaning services. Additionally, all the other restorable contents will be cleaned and deodorized to preloss condition. This includes electronics, art, wood furniture, kitchen items, clothing, bedding, and much more. Finally, SERVPRO® Franchise Professionals can provide an inventory list of all “to be claimed” items for your insured.

Prepare for wildfires!

10/29/2020 (Permalink)

The following are tips from FEMA for preparing your family, home, and businesses from the threat of wildfires!

• Get an emergency supply kit, which includes items like, non-perishable food, water, a battery-powered radio, extra flashlights and batteries. You may want to prepare a portable kit and keep it in your car!
• Make a family emergency plan. Your family may not be together when disaster strikes, so it is important to know how you will contact one another, how you will get back together, and what you will do in case of an emergency. 
• Protect your property from wildfires by designing and landscaping with wildfire safety in mind.
• Learn about the emergency plans that have been established in your area by your state and local government. In an emergency always listen to the instructions given by local emergency responders.
• Finally, don't forget to save your local SERVPRO'S phone number in the case of smoke or soot damage after returning to your home!

Trained and ready for fires!

10/20/2020 (Permalink)

Fire, smoke, and soot damages in your home can create permanent and unpleasant problems if not properly addressed. As various materials burn, the smoke produced travels throughout the home leaving odorous residues and deposits on surfaces and in those hard to reach places. Unless fast, professional action is taken, these residues and deposits can cause permanent damage to contents and may result in periodically resurfacing odors. Unfortunately, such damages are often made more severe when unprepared homeowners attempt to perform the cleanup themselves. 

All of your restorable items in affected areas will be professional cleaned and deodorized to preloss condition. This includes furniture, draperies, upholstery, electronics, art, flooring, walls, ceilings, HVAC air duct systems, and so so much more. SERVPRO professionals do not merely cover up lingering odors with a fragrance, they seek out the sources and clean them right at the source!

The wildfire aftermath

10/20/2020 (Permalink)

Wildfires can happen almost anywhere.

Although the wildfire might not have caused fire damage to your property directly, there may be a smoke odor that can linger after the fire has been put out. There can even be soot particles and residue that may require cleaning. 

How can soot get inside your property?

Soot can still enter your house through your HVAC unit and air ducts, even if your windows and doors are shut and vents are closed. These areas can hold large quantities of soot that can disperse all over your belongings and your home.

A wildfire will generally burn natural materials, but occasionally will burn man-made materials; which will leave soot particles that are difficult to remove.

At SERVPRO we use the best tools and trained professionals that are dedicated to leave your house smelling fresh and back to preloss condition so you can get your life back to normal. Like it never even happened.

Contact SERVPRO of Yamhill & Tillamook Counties and SERVPRO of Hillsboro / Forest Grove for emergency or non-emergency service when your house or business have fire damage at 503-648-8513. We are here 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

How hoarding can be dangerous

10/2/2020 (Permalink)

Hoarding situations can easily lead to very unsafe living environments. Most will think that the situations are unhealthy due to being unsanitary. However, that is only of many parts that make hoarding situations unsafe.

Fire hazards are one of the most important safety matters regarding hoarding. In homes that have baseboard or wall heaters you do not want to leave anything within 12 inches of the heater. Bathroom fans are also the cause to many fires. Ensure to clean your bathroom fans regularly as to avoid a fire. Frayed and exposed wires can spark loose debris and paper products. The weight of objects on electrical wires can deteriorate their integrity and cause fires as well.

Cooking on an open flame range or stove stop can also cause a fire if left unattended. Having doors or entryways blocked is a common issue when house fires occur in a hoarding situation. It is also difficult for the fire department or EMTs to enter the home if there is not sufficient space for their equipment.

Ohana Means family, and Family means no one gets left behind

12/12/2019 (Permalink)

Pets are just as important as any other family member. So why would you not want to make them a part of your preparedness plan? There are several things you can do to make sure they stay safe as well. 

Pet emergency kit:

Food: at least 3 days worth of food in an air tight, and waterproof container

Water: at least 3 days of water specifically for your pets. 

Medicines and important documents:

Registration information, adoption paperwork, vaccination records. Talk to your veterinarian about micro-chipping your pet.

First Aid Kit:

Cotton Bandage rolls, bandage tape and scissors, antibiotic, flea and tick preventatives, latex gloves, isopropyl alcohol and saline solution. Including a pet first aid reference book is very helpful as well!

Collar or Harness with ID

A picture of you and your pet together:

If you become separated a picture of you two together will help to document your ownership. Add species, breed, age, sex, color, and distinguishing characteristics.

Familiar items:

Familiar items such as treats, toys, and bedding can help reduce stress on your pet.

Evacuations:

While practicing fire escape or evacuation plans be sure to include your pet also! If an evacuation happens, don't leave pets behind as they can lost or injured.

Identification:

Micro-chipping pets is a great way to locate them. Most veterinary clinics and shelters have scanner that will read the microchip information to help locate a lost pets owners.

Be sure to take your four-legged friends into consideration when planning for emergencies. visit ready.gov/animals for further tips on how to keep your furry friends close and safe in the event of a disaster or emergency. 

SERVPRO is here to help when fires threaten communities

10/29/2019 (Permalink)

Even states as wet as Oregon and Washington are affected by wildfires several times a year. When the Eagle Creek fire shut down businesses our phones rang off the hook with concerned business owners. In times like these SERVPRO is the first to call as we are faster to any size disaster. 

Some tips from FEMA to protect you and your property from hazards are as follows:

• Wear protective clothing 
• Lock up your business
• Choose a route away from fire hazards
• Close windows, vents, doors, and blinds
• Shut off all utilities, if possible
• Move flammable items to the center of the building
• turn on a light in each room to increase visibility of your property
• Turn off gas lines and propane tanks
• Connect the outside house to water taps
• Gather fire tools

These tips along with preparation and quick thinking can and will protect your investments!

As we prepare to embrace the Kincade fire in Northern California we appreciate the support from all of our local communities. 

Do's and Do not's after a fire

10/29/2019 (Permalink)

DO

• Limit movement in the home to prevent soot particles from being embedded into upholstery and carpet. 

• Keep hands clean. Soot on hands can further soil upholstery, walls and woodwork. 

• Place dry, colorfast towels or old linens on rugs, upholstery and carpet traffic areas. 

• If electricity is off, empty freezer/ refrigerator completely and prop doors open to help prevent odor. 

• Wipe soot from chrome kitchen/ bathroom faucets, trim and appliances, then protect these surfaces with a light coating of lubricant. 

• If heat is off during winter, pour RV antifreeze in sinks, toilet bowls, holding tanks and tubs to avoid freezing pipes and fixtures. 

• Tape double layers of cheesecloth over air registers to stop particles of soot from getting in or out of the HVAC system.

DON'T

• Don’t attempt to wash any walls or painted surfaces without first contacting your SERVPRO® Franchise Professional. 

• Don’t attempt to shampoo carpet or upholstered furniture without first consulting your SERVPRO® Franchise Professional.

• Do not attempt to clean any electrical appliances (TV sets, radios, etc.) that may have been close to fire, heat or water without first consulting an authorized repair service. 

• Do not consume any food or beverages that may have been stored close to fire, heat or water, as they may be contaminated. 

• If ceiling is wet, do not turn on ceiling fans. Wiring may be wet or damaged and cause electrical shock, and air movement may create secondary damage. 

• Don’t send garments to the dry cleaner. Improper cleaning may set in smoke odor.

Smoke odor in your home

10/23/2019 (Permalink)

Fire damage from this fire caused smoke damage throughout this home.

Smoke odor is a stubborn odor that will linger long after a fire has been put out. The odor can be caused by an accident that occurred in the kitchen or even from a fireplace that was unattended, a nearby house that had burned, the odor can also come from forest fires as well.

No matter what caused the odor, at SERVPRO of Yamhill & Tillamook counties we have trained professionals with the proper equipment to clean the structure and remove any odor. Our crew has a variety of products and equipment specifically to deal with odor, from Eco-friendly products to heavy soot and odor removal chemicals. We also use filters to ozone machines. Our professionals will walk through with you and figure out the best solution and approach to get your home back "Like it never even happened."

We're faster to any disaster

We are dedicated to responding immediately when you contact us. A fast response lessens the damage. Limit further damages and reduces the cost.

If your home or business suffers from an emergency, call (503) 648-8513

Types of Smoke

10/22/2019 (Permalink)

Smoke damage to home office

In the event of kitchen fire this holiday season, it is best to be informed on the different types of smoke, and the damage they cause.

Wet Smoke (Plastic and Rubber):

Low heat, smoldering, pungent odor, sticky, smeary, Smoke webs are more difficult to clean. 

Dry Smoke (Paper and Wood):

Fast-burning, high temperatures, heat rises, therefore the smoke rises. 

Protein fire Residue: (Produced by evaporation of material rather than from a fire)

Virtually invisible, discolors paint and varnishes, extreme pungent odors.

Fuel Oil Soot (Furnace puff backs):

While "Puff Backs" can create havoc for homeowners SERVPRO franchcise professionals can, in most cases, restore the contents and structure quickly!

Other types: (tear gas, fingerprint powder, and fire extinguisher residue.

SERVPRO franchise professionals are trained to handle even the toughest losses. If your home or business suffers fire or smoke damage, contact your local SERVPRO franchise professionals to make it "Like it never even happened".

Fire Prevention Month

10/22/2019 (Permalink)

SERVPRO participates in Fire Prevention month!

October is fire prevention month! A Perfect time to review emergency preparedness plans for your home and/or business. Do you have a fire escape plan? Have you changed your smoke alarm batteries within the last year?

The Nation Fire Protection Association designates a week each October to focus on fire prevention awareness. The 2018 theme is "Look, Listen, Learn, be aware. Fire can happen anywhere". This theme hopes to create awareness in the steps necessary to reduce the chance of a fire and how to react in the event that a fire may happen. The NFPA states the following:

"LOOK" for places that fire could start. Take a good look around your home. Identify potential fire hazards and take care of them!

"LISTEN" for the sound of the smoke alarm. You could only have minutes to safely escape once the smoke alarms sounds. Go to your outside meeting place, which should be a safe distance from the home and where everyone should know to meet. 

"LEARN" two ways out of every room and make sure all doors and windows leading outside open easily and are free of clutter.

Stay Safe and prepare now to help ensure you are ready for any disaster.

Fire inspection self test

10/7/2019 (Permalink)

Everyone has been talking about how cold it’s been, and how early it came. That being said we are guessing there is a good chance we did not get all of the winter inspections done in time. 

Just last month a Fire Chief shared with us a Self-Fire Inspection Form and a Hotel/Motel fire checklist. These are the forms your Fire Marshal or Fire Department use when they are doing their inspections.

I am sharing them with you hoping you will pass them on to your maintenance staff and other employees. Let’s all have a safe winter.

You can find these forms on your local fire departments web page. We recommend that someone who is very familiar with the building be the one who does the fire self inspection. 

Firefighters beware!

10/7/2019 (Permalink)

While the fire department is used to going into scary situations, are they prepared for the fright they may face here at SERVPRO!

Remember, that while it is the time to be decorative sometimes those decorations can be more harmful than anything. When you are hanging Halloween, Thanksgiving, and Christmas decorations ensure to leave a clear path from the front of your home to the front entrance of your home. This will help in case of a fire or other emergency situation. 

You also want to ensure that you are not causing any fire hazards. Make sure that all of your lights are working accordingly and are fit for the outlets they are plugged into. 

In addition to lighting you want to ensure any garlands or wreaths are not coming into direct contact with electrical ports of any sort. The dry garland and wreaths can cause a fire to ignite and grow within seconds of ignition. 

Types Of Smoke

10/18/2018 (Permalink)

In the event of kitchen fire this holiday season, it is best to be informed on the different types of smoke, and the damage they cause.

Wet Smoke (Plastic and Rubber):

Low heat, smoldering, pungent odor, sticky, smeary, Smoke webs are more difficult to clean. 

Dry Smoke (Paper and Wood):

Fast-burning, high temperatures, heat rises, therefore the smoke rises. 

Protein fire Residue: (Produced by evaporation of material rather than from a fire)

Virtually invisible, discolors paint and varnishes, extreme pungent odors.

Fuel Oil Soot (Furnace puff backs):

While "Puff Backs" can create havoc for homeowners SERVPRO franchcise professionals can, in most cases, restore the contents and structure quickly!

Other types: (tear gas, fingerprint powder, and fire extinguisher residue.

SERVPRO franchise professionals are trained to handle even the toughest losses. If your home or business suffers fire or smoke damage, contact your local SERVPRO franchise professionals to make it "Like it never even happened".

Fire Prevention Month

10/17/2018 (Permalink)

October is fire prevention month! A Perfect time to review emergency preparedness plans for your home and/or business. Do you have a fire escape plan? Have you changed your smoke alarm batteries within the last year?

The Nation Fire Protection Association designates a week each October to focus on fire prevention awareness. The 2018 theme is "Look, Listen, Learn, be aware. Fire can happen anywhere". This theme hopes to create awareness in the steps necessary to reduce the chance of a fire and how to react in the event that a fire may happen. The NFPA states the following:

"LOOK" for places that fire could start. Take a good look around your home. Identify potential fire hazards and take care of them!

"LISTEN" for the sound of the smoke alarm. You could only have minutes to safely escape once the smoke alarms sounds. Go to your outside meeting place, which should be a safe distance from the home and where everyone should know to meet. 

"LEARN" two ways out of every room and make sure all doors and windows leading outside open easily and are free of clutter.

Stay Safe and prepare now to help ensure you are ready for any disaster.

Do's and Dont's after a fire

10/17/2018 (Permalink)

DO

• Limit movement in the home to prevent soot particles from being embedded into upholstery and carpet. 

• Keep hands clean. Soot on hands can further soil upholstery, walls and woodwork. 

• Place dry, colorfast towels or old linens on rugs, upholstery and carpet traffic areas. 

• If electricity is off, empty freezer/ refrigerator completely and prop doors open to help prevent odor. 

• Wipe soot from chrome kitchen/ bathroom faucets, trim and appliances, then protect these surfaces with a light coating of lubricant. 

• If heat is off during winter, pour RV antifreeze in sinks, toilet bowls, holding tanks and tubs to avoid freezing pipes and fixtures. 

• Tape double layers of cheesecloth over air registers to stop particles of soot from getting in or out of the HVAC system.

DON'T

• Don’t attempt to wash any walls or painted surfaces without first contacting your SERVPRO® Franchise Professional. 

• Don’t attempt to shampoo carpet or upholstered furniture without first consulting your SERVPRO® Franchise Professional.

• Do not attempt to clean any electrical appliances (TV sets, radios, etc.) that may have been close to fire, heat or water without first consulting an authorized repair service. 

• Do not consume any food or beverages that may have been stored close to fire, heat or water, as they may be contaminated. 

• If ceiling is wet, do not turn on ceiling fans. Wiring may be wet or damaged and cause electrical shock, and air movement may create secondary damage. 

• Don’t send garments to the dry cleaner. Improper cleaning may set in smoke odor.

Ohana means family, and family means no one gets left behind, even pets!

10/17/2018 (Permalink)

Pets are just as important as any other family member. So why would you not want to make them a part of your preparedness plan? There are several things you can do to make sure they stay safe as well. 

Pet emergency kit:

Food: at least 3 days worth of food in an air tight, and waterproof container

Water: at least 3 days of water specifically for your pets. 

Medicines and important documents:

Registration information, adoption paperwork, vaccination records. Talk to your veterinarian about micro-chipping your pet.

First Aid Kit:

Cotton Bandage rolls, bandage tape and scissors, antibiotic, flea and tick preventatives, latex gloves, isopropyl alcohol and saline solution. Including a pet first aid reference book is very helpful as well!

Collar or Harness with ID

A picture of you and your pet together:

If you become separated a picture of you two together will help to document your ownership. Add species, breed, age, sex, color, and distinguishing characteristics.

Familiar items:

Familiar items such as treats, toys, and bedding can help reduce stress on your pet.

Evacuations:

While practicing fire escape or evacuation plans be sure to include your pet also! If an evacuation happens, don't leave pets behind as they can lost or injured.

Identification:

Micro-chipping pets is a great way to locate them. Most veterinary clinics and shelters have scanner that will read the microchip information to help locate a lost pets owners.

Be sure to take your four-legged friends into consideration when planning for emergencies. visit ready.gov/animals for further tips on how to keep your furry friends close and safe in the event of a disaster or emergency. 

Preparing for dinner, the holidays and... fire!

10/5/2018 (Permalink)

The cooking and baking season is just around the corner. In order to avoid a ruined holiday, follow the advice below!

October: Spooky treats

November: Grease and stove fires

December: Warm cookies and an even warmer house.

Families gather to celebrate the holidays by preparing a delicious feast, but if you don’t practice safe cooking habits, your holiday could become hazardous very quickly. According to the National Fire Protection Association, cooking fires are the number one cause of home fires and home injuries.

The leading cause of fires in the kitchen is unattended cooking.

It’s important to be alert to prevent cooking fires.  Be on alert!

• If you are sleepy or have consumed alcohol don’t use the stove or stove top. 
• Stay in the kitchen while you are frying, grilling, boiling, or broiling food.
• If you are simmering, baking, or roasting food, check it regularly, remain in the kitchen while food is cooking, and use a timer to remind you that you are cooking.
• Keep anything that can catch fire—oven mitts, wooden utensils, food packaging, towels, or curtains—away from the stove top.
• If you have a cooking fire, consider the following safety protocols to help keep you and your family safe. 
• Just get out! When you leave, close the door behind you to help contain the fire. 
• Call 9-1-1 or the local emergency number after you leave. 
• For an oven fire, turn off the heat and keep the door closed. 
• If you try to fight the fire, be sure others are getting out and you have a clear way out. 
• Keep a lid nearby when you’re cooking to smother small grease fires. Smother the fire by sliding the lid over the pan and turn off the stove top. Leave the pan covered until it is completely cooled.

The process after a fire

10/5/2018 (Permalink)

While some items were not salvageable. There were tons of contents that had to be professional cleaned by our SERVPRO employees!

Anyone can go in with a sledge hammer and tear down walls that were affected by fire. However, it is the smoke and soot damage that is difficult to find that requires the help of a professional!

After a smoke or fire damage, ceilings, walls, woodwork, carpeting, and floors will often need a thorough cleaning. Your experienced local SERVPRO® Franchise Professional will pretest to determine the extent of damage, then use the specific equipment and cleaning products required to clean and protect the different types of surfaces found in your insured’s structure.

Contents Cleaning

All of the restorable contents in affected areas will be professionally cleaned and deodorized. This includes area rugs, furniture, draperies, and upholstery. SERVPRO® Franchise Professionals can provide wet or dry cleaning services. Additionally, all the other restorable contents will be cleaned and deodorized to preloss condition. This includes electronics, art, wood furniture, kitchen items, clothing, bedding, and much more. Finally, SERVPRO® Franchise Professionals can provide an inventory list of all “to be claimed” items for your insured.

prepare yourself for wildfires this summer!

4/19/2018 (Permalink)

The following are tips from FEMA for preparing your family, home, and businesses from the threat of wildfires!

• Get an emergency supply kit, which includes items like, non-perishable food, water, a battery-powered radio, extra flashlights and batteries. You may want to prepare a portable kit and keep it in your car!
• Make a family emergency plan. Your family may not be together when disaster strikes, so it is important to know how you will contact one another, how you will get back together, and what you will do in case of an emergency. 
• Protect your property from wildfires by designing and landscaping with wildfire safety in mind.
• Learn about the emergency plans that have been established in your area by your state and local government. In an emergency always listen to the instructions given by local emergency responders.
• Finally, don't forget to save your local SERVPRO'S phone number in the case of smoke or soot damage after returning to your home!

Any Fire In Your Home Is Bad

4/17/2018 (Permalink)

When you try to clean up after a fire by yourself, it can be a disaster. Especially considering that smoke and soot from even a small fire can permanently damage contents throughout a home. It will also cause odors that may resurface for years.

Your SERVPRO professionals understand how disruptive fires can be for you and your entire family. For this reason, SERVPRO offers 24-hour emergency response, and under normal circumstances, will have trained, uniformed technicians on-site of a fire damage within four hours to begin emergency mitigation services. By responding quickly with a full line of fire, smoke, and soot clean up and restoration services, your local SERVPRO professionals can help you regain control quickly while deodorizing and protecting your home and belongings. 

So, before you risk doing more damage by attempting to clean it up yourself, call your local fire, smoke, and soot clean up and restoration experts at SERVPRO or dial 1-800-SERVPRO to locate your nearest SERVPRO Franchise.

Trained And Equipped For Fires

4/17/2018 (Permalink)

Fire, smoke, and soot damages in your home can create permanent and unpleasant problems if not properly addressed. As various materials burn, the smoke produced travels throughout the home leaving odorous residues and deposits on surfaces and in those hard to reach places. Unless fast, professional action is taken, these residues and deposits can cause permanent damage to contents and may result in periodically resurfacing odors. Unfortunately, such damages are often made more severe when unprepared homeowners attempt to perform the cleanup themselves. 

All of your restorable items in affected areas will be professional cleaned and deodorized to preloss condition. This includes furniture, draperies, upholstery, electronics, art, flooring, walls, ceilings, HVAC air duct systems, and so so much more. SERVPRO professionals do not merely cover up lingering odors with a fragrance, they seek out the sources and clean them right at the source!

Smoke Odor in your home

11/13/2017 (Permalink)

Smoke odor is a stubborn odor that will linger long after a fire has been put out. The odor can be caused by an accident that occurred in the kitchen or even from a fireplace that was unattended, a nearby house that had burned, the odor can also come from forest fires as well.

No matter what caused the odor, at SERVPRO of Yamhill & Tillamook counties we have trained professionals with the proper equipment to clean the structure and remove any odor. Our crew has a variety of products and equipment specifically to deal with odor, from Eco-friendly products to heavy soot and odor removal chemicals. We also use filters to ozone machines. Our professionals will walk through with you and figure out the best solution and approach to get your home back "Like it never even happened."

We're faster to any disaster

We are dedicated to responding immediately when you contact us. A fast response lessens the damage. Limit further damages and reduces the cost.

If your home or business suffers from an emergency, call (503) 648-8513

What to do after a Fire

11/13/2017 (Permalink)

Home fires are stressful events. However, having a plan on what to do after a fire can help with the stress. At SERVPRO of Yamhill & Tillamook counties we are Here to Help® when a fire occurs in your home. We have created a checklist to help you to start the recovery after a fire damage.

What to do after a fire damage

Call your insurance company immediately after a fire. After you went through the details with your insurance company, contact SERVPRO of Yamhill & Tillamook counties so the fire damage cleanup process can begin quickly. Make sure to notify your mortgage company of the fire as well. If you're not sure that the home is structurally safe, have it inspected by a certified structural engineer or building inspector before going near. 

• Make sure to arrange a board up of any broken windows and doors.
• Take pictures of all exterior damages
• If you suspect that the structure in a room is unsafe, avoid entering the room.
• Turn off the power at the electrical panel.
• Wear long sleeves, long pants, closed toe shoes and gloves. To protect you from the soot as well as trying to prevent other items being contaminated.
• Try locating any important papers and documents.
• Any burnt money can be taken to a Regional Federal Reserve Bank for replacement
• Begin taking inventory of the building damage and all damaged items.
• Begin saving receipts for any expenses incurred after the fire. These may be needed when filing insurance claims.We're faster to any disaster

We're faster to any disaster

We are dedicated to responding immediately when you contact us. A fast response lessens the damage. limit further damages and reduces the cost. Our professional make disasters, "Like it never even happened."

If your home or business suffers from an emergency, call (503) 648-8513

Fire Prevention Week

10/2/2017 (Permalink)

In a fire, seconds count. Seconds can mean the difference between residents of our community escaping safely from a fire or having their lives end in tragedy.

That’s why this year’s Fire Prevention Week theme: “Every Second Counts: Plan 2 Ways Out!” is so important. It reinforces why everyone needs to have an escape plan. Here’s this year’s key campaign messages:

• Draw a map of your home by using NFPA Grid with all members of your household, marking two exits from each room and a path to the outside from each exit.
• Practice your home fire drill twice a year. Conduct one at night and one during the day with everyone in your home, and practice using different ways out.
• Teach children how to escape on their own in case you can’t help them.
• Make sure the number of your home is clearly marked and easy for the fire department to find.
• Close doors behind you as you leave – this may slow the spread of smoke, heat, and fire.
• Once you get outside, stay outside. Never go back inside a burning building.

This article comes from NFPA website at www.NFPA.org where you can find out more to help get your home prepared for any possible fires. 

Contact SERVPRO of Yamhill & Tillamook Counties and SERVPRO of Hillsboro / Forest Grove for emergency or non-emergency service when your house or business have fire damage at 503-648-8513. We are here 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

The clean up after a wildfire

9/28/2017 (Permalink)

Wildfires can happen almost anywhere.

Although the wildfire might not have caused fire damage to your property directly; there may be a smoke odor that can linger after the fire has been put out. There can even be soot particles and residue that may require cleaning. 

How can soot get inside your property?

 Soot can still enter your house through your HVAC unit and air ducts, even if your windows and doors are shut and vents are closed. These areas can hold large quantities of soot that can disperse all over your belongings and your home.

A wildfire will generally burn natural materials, but occasionally will burn man-made materials; which will leave soot particles that are difficult to remove.

At SERVPRO we use the best tools and trained professionals that are dedicated to leave your house smelling fresh and back to preloss condition so you can get your life back to normal. Like it never even happened.

Contact SERVPRO of Yamhill & Tillamook Counties and SERVPRO of Hillsboro / Forest Grove for emergency or non-emergency service when your house or business have fire damage at 503-648-8513. We are here 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.